Published in January 5th, 2012
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People who suffer from dry mouth are likely to experience the feeling that they do not have enough saliva. They may have a dry feeling in their mouth and throat and feel frequently thirsty. This article provides further information on the symptoms and cause of this conditions and treatment options.
Saliva provides an important role helping to digest food and fight bacteria it also aids the chewing and swallowing of food. If a person does not have enough saliva they are likely to experience not only dryness but a range of other symptoms including dry and sore skin around this area, a sore throat and a red and raw tongue. They may also have difficulty chewing and swallowing their meals.
Low saliva production also has an effect on dental health as inadequate saliva means that the mouth is less able to fight bacteria. It can make people more vulnerable to tooth decay and mouth infections along with gum disease. It can also make it more difficult to wear dentures.
There are a range of causes for low levels of saliva. It is common for people to experience it if they are nervous or anxious but these symptoms normally pass once the situation resolves itself. A more continued experience can be down to a range of causes including the side effects of certain medication. Both prescription and non prescription drugs including those to treat allergies, colds and depression can cause this problem. These drugs can lead to dryness by affecting the salivary glands which control the amount of saliva produced.
Other causes include the side effects of particular diseases and medical treatments. An example of this is radiotherapy treatment to the head or neck. The radiotherapy can cause damage to the saliva glands affecting their ability to produce an adequate supply. Conditions that cause dehydration can be another cause as a fever, vomiting and sweating can all lead to a feeling of dryness.
If a person feels that they are experiencing the symptoms of this condition it is advisable that they seek advice from their doctor or dentist to find out how to treat the condition. If a problem with saliva function is down to medication a person may be switched to another medication, one that is not connected with these symptoms. Using an oral rinse may be prescribed as a way of restoring moisture levels or if this fails a person may be advised to take a saliva producing medication.
There are a range of self help options that may increase saliva production including following a proper dental hygiene routine and visiting the dentist regularly. It may also help to chew gum as this can lead to increased saliva production and to drink lots of water regularly to avoid dehydration. It may also be useful to reduce or cut out caffeine or alcohol as these can have a diuretic effect which can be dehydrating.
It is not necessary to put up with the symptoms of dry mouth. It is clear that there are a range of treatments for treating poor saliva levels. The treatment option will often depend on what is causing the problem and the severity of the problem. Seeking medical advice is likely to be of benefit as it will mean that a proper cause can be determined and the symptoms alleviated.
Biotene provides a range of oral hygiene products to help relieve the symptoms of the common issue of dry mouth. If you have soreness and/or redness in the mouth, trouble speaking or other symptoms speak to your health care professional to learn more.
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